Ottawa (Canada) – Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and Special Advisor to Fasken, Perry Bellegarde has received a 2023 Alumni Crowning Achievement Award: Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Regina recognizing his achievements and contributions to First Nations.
“Our congratulations to Chief Bellegarde on this well-deserved recognition of his outstanding career,” said Peter Feldberg, Firm Managing Partner. “A leader and consensus builder, he has dedicated his life to championing the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples across Canada and globally, and to ensuring a sustainable future for us all. “
“Congratulations Chief Bellegarde on this recognition of your life’s work, dedicated to closing the gap in quality of life between First Nations and other Canadians, said Kevin O’Callaghan, Partner, Leader, Indigenous Law group. “It’s clear to see that your longstanding dedication has been and continues to be fundamental to advancing human rights in Canada.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who, over the course of a lifetime, has distinguished oneself on a regional, national, or international basis in any field of endeavour.
As National Chief, Chief Bellegarde’s accomplishments include the passage of Canada’s first national legislation recognizing and protecting Indigenous languages, and securing a legislative commitment to national implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples. He has also raised the international profile of First Nations expertise on sustainable development, promoting rights-based solutions to the climate crisis from the Paris Agreement to the Sustainable Markets Initiative.
Chief Bellegarde is the recipient of numerous awards and designations, including Honorary Doctorate of Laws from both Queen’s and Lakehead universities. He is a member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative 2023 Terra Carta Seal Expert Review Panel that will select for recognition global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented at a ceremony on Sept. 21, 2023, in Saskatchewan. Congratulations Chief Bellegarde and to all the award winners.
About the Alumni Crowning Achievement Awards (ACAAs)
Every year, the University of Regina celebrates the best and brightest among its more than 88,000 alumni with the Alumni Crowning Achievement Awards (ACAAs). Established in 1992, the ACAAs were created to honour our extraordinary alumni for their outstanding commitment to excellence, community engagement and leadership, and impact on the social, cultural, and economic well-being of our communities. This year’s recipients include educators, leaders, community advocates, and entrepreneurs – and are living embodiments of the University of Regina’s motto As One Who Serves.
About Fasken
Fasken is a leading international law firm with more than 925 lawyers and nine offices on three continents. Clients rely on us for practical and innovative legal services. We provide results-driven strategies to solve the most complex business and litigation challenges. For additional information, please visit the Firm’s website at fasken.com.
